Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
The rigid chain microstructure of thermotropic liquid crystal polymers (TLCPs) permits an ordered morphology to form consequently giving these materials exceptionally high strength. X-ray and neutron scattering techniques effectively determine the semi-crystalline structure of TLCP but lack the spatial resolution needed to detect morphological changes occurring on sub-micron length scales. This research develops an electron optical technique to resolve the local orientation of LCP fibers at resolutions on the order of 100-300 nm. This paper outlines the essential elements of this technique and presents preliminary results showing systematic morphological changes of LCP fiber as a function of position across the fiber diameter.